I finished my latest version of my book last week. It has taken so long to get to this point but I have enjoyed the process of the narrative coming together with the early illustrations. I was almost slightly apprehensive in showing other people the concept, as in format it is quite simple but I do believe it carries a powerful message.
I also set some Dichotomous questions, to stakeholders / gatekeepers. This was done in order to get a more direct yes/no answer but also to let the candidates lead on certain themes.
I sent this version of to 20 people / 13 replied.
You will find these questions and my results/refections below.
This iteration has come about after having talked to several early learning specialists, authors, counsellors. (All of this is documented in my learning log) On this occasion, I wanted to specifically target potential stakeholder / gatekeepers / and in particular parents who have separated with someone, when there has been a child involved. Obviously this can be a sensitive subject and I was cautious in making sure that I was catering to those needs. Most, if not all were more than happy to talk to me about the project and I felt that it was almost cathartic for them in telling me their story.
I sent the latest version and questions out as a PDF. I've included the data from this research in this post. Most comments I received were generally very positive but there was also some honest assessment which I can utilise in moving forward with the project.
I have included only first names to protect anonymity
Laura
I like the repetition of the 1st line and the use of rhyme. That works really well with young kids.I think it's the perfect length for a book. I went on a book writing course before Lochie arrived and the average kids book and the publisher running it gave some advice. Most kids books are under a 1000 words and are usually between 12-16 pages. It's very easy to understand. I personally would get rid of the 'the' in cat and mouse and 'much' in the sentence above. As it will help it flow better. I'd say the demographic for this book would be 4-6yrs old.It delicately approaches the topic, so is suitable for children.
I think simple, but colourful illustrations would suit it. Like in Oliver Jeffers books.I've taught kids who've been through this and this would have been lovely to help with their anxiety and understanding of their situation. Also just another thought. I like the fact that it's gender neutral. So it's accessible to both genders.
Elly
Hi mate. I love the idea of the book and the subject it tackles.However, my honest and immediate thoughts are as follows:Every experience of separation is unique. The narrative is unintentionally prescriptive, outlining what a separation 'should' or 'could' look like in some scenarios. This could easily serve to compound a feeling that 'things are very wrong' because they don't look like this.' This could be potentially damaging and confusing for obvious reasons. Many parents may separate and continue in an acrimonious set up, or not even be able to see one of the parents, either through acrimony, geography, legal constraints, or other factors such as abandonment or mental and emotional breakdown of one of the parents, or even addiction.I think it would be really helpful to pitch the book as a tool to facilitate discussion between parent/caregiver and child. Perhaps having sections to fill in, with open ended questions about what is better, worse, things that the child is worried about or enjoys, both overall and in the company of each parent. In addition to the discussion facilitation and 'fill in' sections, it could include some nice positive snippets of prose, pics, and even maybe some space for drawings OR photos, to be able to personalise it further.Signposting to any useful resources could be cited on the back page. If you are clear in your title and description of the book, as well as outlining age suitability range, this should ensure it is used appropriately and with maximum benefit. E.g some people may order such a book based on the title, hoping it is helpful, only to discover their scenario does not fit the description, or worse, give it directly to a child or caregiver without screening its appropriateness to the situation.Hope this helps.
Could also include 'hopes for the future' etc. This could give a vehicle for the child to be able to express. Something which is very hard for children to realise and communicate. Could be an incredibly important tool. You are amazing!
Also important: some children will not be happier with the new home environment. It is important not to presume, ask leading questions etc. I think it could be incredibly important in facilitation of discussion and expression between parent and child.It would therefore a good idea to include a section after said expression / discussion around actions, by whom, what could help etc. Providing a framework to move forwards. Keep it brief. I think it's a brilliant concept. Well done
Kevin
Good stuff. I Really Really Really Really like it!
I think it's definitely a good length. I would say it would appeal more to under 10's.
The narrative is good but i would just stick to 3. Really like the title. It starts with 3 then the next has 4 so assume each one builds up but it doesn't. One of them in the middle has around 6
Ummm illustration wise something detailed and serious vain maybe just plain pencil drawings. Nothing with bold colours and comic style in my opinion. It's good though mate. Well done. It should have a good audience that a lot of parents that will relate to.
Good luck with it.
Paul
Just read it mate, really good. Probably doesn’t really apply to my situation as such as I didn’t see the break up happening, we’ve never really argued or fallen out. I don’t have my own place so the boys don’t stay with me. I see them 5 or 6 days a week as I live and work close to them. I guess we are unique really in our situation (and fortunate too). It does work as a narrative in so much as it’s a common issue with estranged couples. Like I say, it’s really really good.
Joanne
Our kids wouldn't really fit into the demographic as there wasn't really much shouting etc, Paul isn't really the shouty type
Reflections
Getting this feedback was helpful to me for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, it did give me a sense of validation as most were full of praise for my intentions and what I want to achieve. There was also credit for the concept itself.
Obviously I know some of these candidates very well but I trust them enough that they will give me their honest account of the idea and my process.
Comments that stand out for me, were that every separation is different. This is something that I do already comprehend but it did make me pause to think how can I make these books more bespoke and individualised? This was something that was also picked up on my Stakeholder presentation. Will I be possible to do this?
Elly also pointed out that "The narrative is unintentionally prescriptive, outlining what a separation 'should' or 'could' look like in some scenarios. This could easily serve to compound a feeling that 'things are very wrong' because they don't look like this." This is something I am cautious about. These are very delicate themes. My continued research helps to alleviate some of these issues but can they ever really solved?
NEW KNOWLEDGE - Never assume.
I have had two friends go through a separation in the past few months and they have been on my mind through the manifestation of this project. I had assumed that they had gone through something similar to my own experience. I was very wrong. It seemed that after talking to both of them had made a concerted effort not to put the children in the way of any disagreements. I must not assume that all couples that are separating are going through an acrimonious breakup.
Letting people see my latest iteration has enabled me to see that there is plenty of work left to do. This was a very worthwhile exercise as it helped validate my project with people that have been through separation. Indeed even case is different and these honest accounts can only help me further in my research.
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